As Dr. Sonja Wicklum's tenure comes to an end, the Cumming School of Medicine is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen Wilton as the director of planetary health

The Cuming School of Medicine (CSM) extends its gratitude to Dr. Sonja Wicklum, MD’92, BSc’88, who is stepping down as director of the Office of Planetary Health as of July 1, 2026. The school is deeply grateful for her vision, commitment and impact in advancing planetary health across our faculty, community and beyond. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Wicklum says she is most proud of helping build awareness of the urgency and importance of planetary health through collaboration, education and research. Under her leadership, the Office of Planetary Health strengthened connections across the CSM, engaged students and faculty, helped shape national conversations on medical accreditation, and fostered international partnerships, including an ongoing collaboration with the Nepal Planetary Health Research Centre. 

As she transitions from the role, Wicklum will continue contributing to planetary health initiatives through projects including Earth to Action, global clinical practice guidelines development through the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), and Indigenous-led wellness initiatives through Makoyoh'Sokoi — the Wolf Trail Program (WTP), a holistic physical-activity-based wellness program for Indigenous women. 

“Planetary health has never been more important,” says Wicklum. “My hope is that planetary health becomes woven into every aspect of health-care education, research and practice, helping us reimagine health care in ways that support both human health and the health of our planet.” 

The CSM is also pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen Wilton, MD, MSc’10, as the new director of the Office of Planetary Health. Wilton took on the role of director on July 1, 2026. He previously served as the associate director in the Office of Planetary Health.  

“I am honoured to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Dr. Wicklum has created,” says Wilton. “Planetary health is a critical and rapidly evolving area of medicine. I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and community partners to advance innovative research, education and action that supports healthier people, communities and environments.” 

“Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen the integration of planetary health across the Cumming School of Medicine and help prepare future health-care professionals for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

The Office of Planetary Health will be hosting its first Planetary Health Day on September 29, 2026. Everyone is welcome for a day of celebration, sharing knowledge and promoting urgent action for a climate-resilient, sustainable future.